Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
(OP)
Hi guys,
I am assessing large storage tanks to API 650 App. E, and some of them are failing the hoop stresses check. I must report back to the client the results including recommendations for potential retrofit solution to the problem.
I found on the internet that Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is used for strengthening tanks. Due to the nature of the problem, it seems to me that this is the only solution.
Can anyone provide me with additional info about strengthening tanks by installing CFRP around the shell (material cost, installation cost, companies that offer these type of services, available brochures on the net etc).
Thanks
I am assessing large storage tanks to API 650 App. E, and some of them are failing the hoop stresses check. I must report back to the client the results including recommendations for potential retrofit solution to the problem.
I found on the internet that Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is used for strengthening tanks. Due to the nature of the problem, it seems to me that this is the only solution.
Can anyone provide me with additional info about strengthening tanks by installing CFRP around the shell (material cost, installation cost, companies that offer these type of services, available brochures on the net etc).
Thanks






RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
Yes you could, increasing the thickness of shell at that location will be the easiest solution but these are oil tanks and hence must be emptied before any welding takes place. We are talking about 250,000 BBL tanks which are part of a bulk plant. As you can imagine business interruption is essential to the client, so I am looking for a solution which can fix the problem with limited business disruption to them. The only one I manage to find is CFRP.
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
The scope of this assessment is to check the facility against the current standards. The purpose is to upgrade the facility. Even if you are right it makes no difference, I still have to report possible retrofit solutions to the problem.
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
Also, if you want the CFRP to fully engage, the tank will need to be empty when it's installed. If you put it on when the tank is full, the static hoop stresses will be locked into the steel shell. You might still get an overstress.
This might not be as critical an interruption as emptying the tanks and ventilating them for welding.
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
The simplest solution to the problem as described would be to derate the tanks for a lower maximum height until they can be modified or replaced.
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
Before applying the band we put a few layers of ordinary GRP on the wall. The job was considered a success.
However, I realise your tanks are huge compared wth ours.
Maybe you might tightly wrap a steel wire round the tank then overcoat it with grp which will bond the wire to the shell wall.
Cheers, Corrosionman
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
Personally, I'd be interested in finding out what they (Sika) would have to say about it. We come across vessels all the time which need to be reinforced. Whether they do it or not....
I came across the Sika Carbodur in the late 90s for repairing a university's chemistry lab floor in Florida.
Their website indicates steel reinforcing too.
I think the Carbodur Plates are what you'd be interested in.
http
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP
For now only outlining a potential solution is required and I am happy to report wrapping the tank with CFRP as one of them.
If they actually decide to do something about it, it would be interesting to see with what solution we will end up
RE: Steel Tank Strengthening with CFRP